Marko Simonovic: "Odaklanır ve maça doğru şekilde hazırlanırsak gidip kazanabiliriz"

Turkish Telekom Players Discuss Strategy for BSL Play-Off Quarter-Final Against Anadolu Efes

Turkish Telekom players Marko Simonovic and Berkan Durmaz have weighed in on their team's preparation and strategy ahead of the BSL play-off quarter-final match against Anadolu Efes. They emphasize the importance of physical play and defense in what promises to be a tough series.

Serbian center Marko Simonovic acknowledges that Anadolu Efes has been playing well recently but believes that with proper focus and preparation, his team can win. "It will be a tough series because we know Anadolu Efes has been playing better recently. We know how they play, and we have already faced them twice this season, winning one at home. If we stay focused and prepare correctly for the match, we can win."

Simonovic underscores the significance of securing a win away from home in the short series format. "Two wins are enough in these short series. So, we need to win at least one game on their home court. It won't be easy, but we know how they play. We need to do our best and think we have a good chance."

He also highlights the physical strength of Anadolu Efes, noting their European League experience and the caliber of players they possess. "They are a European League team, and we know what kind of players they have. It won't be easy, but it's a good opportunity to show that we can go one step further, like we have all season. They have good and physical players. It will be tough, but we will do our best."

Simonovic also points out that Turkish Telekom played significant matches in the European Cup this season, maintaining their form. "We were really in form in our European Cup matches, especially, but in the end, we didn't achieve what we wanted. Sports are like that. I think each of us has learned something from those games. It's over now, and we have another step in the BSL ahead. It's a different story."

He stresses the importance of fan support, especially in Ankara. "I want to tell our fans to come and support us as they always do. We saw the atmosphere in Ankara when the hall is full. Everyone in the team loves it. We love our fans and always look forward to their support."

Berkan Durmaz on the Importance of Physical Play and Defense

Team captain Berkan Durmaz also spoke about the physical and tactical aspects of the match against Anadolu Efes. "Anadolu Efes is always one of the most competitive and physically intense matches. We will be playing against a European League team and have lost the home advantage. Therefore, we need to be very smart and very physical in our play. We need to win both at home and away to progress."

Durmaz emphasizes the need for high-level physical play throughout the match. "We aim to be smart and physically aggressive on the court for the 40 minutes, and even for 80 minutes when we combine the two games. We need to react quickly to the ball on the floor as Turkish Telekom."

The team's identity is built around defense, according to Durmaz. "Our team identity is built around defense. We use defensive rebounds and quick transitions to the opposite side to find our rhythm. That's why defense is slightly more important for us."